Gurené education must become collective responsibility – Group urges

The Alagumgube Association has called on education stakeholders, traditional authorities and other relevant actors to make the development and promotion of Gurenɛ a collective responsibility to preserve the language and cultural identity of the people of the Upper East Region.

The Association said the teaching of indigenous languages should go beyond the classroom to become part of broader efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of communities and pass it on to future generations.

Speaking at the presentation of Gurenɛ learning books to the Upper East Regional Education Directorate in Bolgatanga on Friday, September 18, 2026, Abraham Adoctor Giba, who delivered a speech on behalf of Alagumgube, said the development of Gurenɛ required the commitment of all stakeholders.

“Education is not only about acquiring knowledge; it is also about preserving identity, culture and language,” he said.

He noted that people often develop and express their deepest ideas in their mother tongue before interpreting them into other languages, making the promotion of indigenous languages an important aspect of education.

Mr Giba said Alagumgube’s decision to support Gurenɛ education was informed by the approval of the language as a Ghanaian language for teaching and examination.

“We believe that all stakeholders must contribute their quota towards making Gurenɛ a strong, vibrant and respected language of education and communication,” he stated.

As part of its intervention, the Association donated 260 Gurenɛ books to the education authorities, comprising 250 copies for five Gurenɛ-speaking Municipal and District Education Directorates and 10 copies for the Upper East Regional Directorate of Education for onward distribution to relevant schools.

Mr Giba acknowledged that the books would not be enough to meet the needs of all schools but described the donation as a seed intended to encourage further support for Gurenɛ education.

He expressed confidence that the intervention would be the beginning of a broader effort by Alagumgube to support the development, promotion and preservation of the language.

He also recognised the contributions of Prof. Avea Nsoh, Prof. Atintono Samuel, James Ababila, Dr Helen Atipoka, Nathaniel N-yaaba and his colleagues, who have contributed to the preparation of the Gurenɛ syllabus and initial learning materials.

The Association also acknowledged Akariboga Isaac, the author of the donated books, for his contribution to the production of learning materials for the language.

Mr Giba said the efforts of such individuals might not always receive immediate recognition but would remain important to the history and development of Gurenɛ.

The Alagumgube representative further urged parents, teachers, traditional authorities, education managers and other stakeholders to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring that Gurenɛ remains relevant to younger generations.

He said preserving the language was ultimately about preserving the identity and heritage of the people.

“When we preserve our language, we preserve our identity; when we teach it to our children, we pass our heritage on to the next generation,” he said.

The Association, an international, non-governmental and non-partisan organisation, has undertaken various development and humanitarian interventions in the Upper East Region.

Mr Giba cited the Association’s advocacy and interventions concerning the Upper East Regional Airport, as well as its efforts towards the establishment of a passport office in the region.

He said the Association had also undertaken humanitarian activities at the Navrongo Prisons, Mama Laadi Children’s Home and the maternity ward of the Bolgatanga Hospital, while supporting two mothers of triplets in Bongo.

He explained that the interventions formed part of Alagumgube’s broader objective of helping to address developmental gaps in the Upper East Region.

The Association also expressed appreciation to the Upper East Regional Director of Education, Municipal and District Directors of Education, teachers, facilitators and other stakeholders for their continued efforts towards the development of Gurenɛ education.

Mr Giba urged stakeholders to build on the progress made and ensure that Gurenɛ receives sustained attention both within and outside the classroom.